Tape splicing: noob questions

[WarmJetGuitar]

Hey there!
Got a number of questions as for tape splicing. We're having space problems on the shelves and running out of empty reels.

I need a splicing block, splicing tape and then what about the knife? Can a regular razor do the trick or would I need something more specialzied?

There's currently two 1/2" block offers on Evil Bay, one just offering the block, the other including various extras. Which one would you recommend and for what reasons?

Editall 1 2' 'Professional Splicing Block Tape Reel Best Splicer Splice New | eBay

1 2 inch Splicing Block for Audio Video Tape New | eBay

 

[jpmorris]

One of them looks like it's made of wood. I'd definitely go for the metal one. Single--edge industrial razor blades should be fine. IIRC they are also used for ice-scrapers, but it looks like the metal one with the extras has a few included.

Yeah, that kit is looking like a bargain. It has pretty much everything you need, even the chinagraph pencils which are handy to mark the end of the track etc when you're making the edit. The only think I'd worry about is the splicing tape - if this is New Old Stock, it may have lost its sticky so bear in mind you may need to get some more.

 

[rob aylestone]

Metal blocks were so much nicer to use than something that careless knife work can split - wood, plastic and even the cheap aluminium ones can be damaged by heavy handed blade work.

The wooden one looks like it's made of ordinary pine (it says oak and other woods), and has two slots (big ones) cut by a mitre saw. Not what I'd want to be using - and the tape channel looks quite deep too - too deep for proper application of the tape.

I love how he says he has the copyright - to a design that's now over 70 years old? I think not!

 

[allegro1650]

Whatever you do, DO NOT use ordinary adhesive (cellophane) tape! Over time it will ooze gummy adhesive, degrade the oxide at the edit point, and also melt the tape backing.

Your final playback will sound like this:

music-music-music-(sticking point)-music-music-music-(sticking point)-music-*garble*garble*SNAP! (tape flies apart)*

I've used the single-edge razor many times, and one time I even saw someone use a fresh X-acto blade with the metal knurled holder.

The splicing tape is one critical part, as you know; the block is another. ATR Magnetics is an OK brand, as is Splicit. Splicit sells replacement hubs, reels, and pro quality edit blocks also.

If you can find an EdiTall splicing block for a good price, grab it. Those are the ones that defined the category. $15 to $20 used for the S-1 quarter-inch block, most of the time.

I'm not an employee or promoter for either company; I just want to share info with fellow tape-heads.